There is nothing quite like a crunchy, tangy, and creamy coleslaw to brighten up any meal, and this Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe is my absolute favorite way to bring classic Southern flavors right to your kitchen table. With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, you get that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that pairs beautifully with barbeque, fried chicken, sandwiches, or even as a standalone salad. It’s a timeless recipe that’s easy to make, comforting, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe plays an essential role and is delightfully simple to find. From the crisp cabbage that forms the crunchy base, to the creamy mayo and tangy apple cider vinegar that create a luscious dressing, each component adds its own magic to the final dish.
- 1 head of cabbage (red or green, about 8 cups): The star of the show providing crunch and a fresh foundation.
- 2 large carrots (peeled): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color for visual appeal and flavor.
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (Paleo or vegan if needed): Creates the creamy texture that makes this coleslaw irresistibly smooth.
- 1 ½ Tbsp. Dijon mustard: Brings subtle spice and depth to the dressing.
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar: Adds the perfect tang that brightens every bite.
- 1 Tbsp. sugar (optional): Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness; adjust to your taste.
- ¼ cup sweet onion (finely diced): Introduces mild, savory bursts throughout the slaw.
- ¾ tsp. salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors and melds them beautifully.
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley (finely chopped): Gives a fresh, herbal note and eye-catching green flecks.
How to Make Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cabbage
Start by cutting your cabbage into ⅛-inch thick slices approximately 2 inches long. This size ensures each bite delivers a satisfying crunch without being bulky or overwhelming. Whether you choose red or green cabbage, shredding it finely is key to that classic coleslaw texture.
Step 2: Shred the carrots
Next up, shred your peeled carrots using either a large food processor fitted with a grating attachment or a trusty cheese grater. The finely shredded carrots will blend beautifully with the cabbage and add a lovely sweetness and bright color that makes this coleslaw visually inviting.
Step 3: Mix the dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, vigorously whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. This combination creates a luscious, creamy dressing with just the right tang and sweetness to perfect the texture and flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine all ingredients
Now, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, finely diced sweet onion, and fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl. The onion adds delicate bursts of flavor while the parsley brings freshness and a subtle herbal brightness.
Step 5: Toss with the dressing
Pour your homemade dressing over the vegetable mixture, then toss gently and thoroughly until every shred is coated in that creamy, tangy goodness. This step is essential because it ensures a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Chill before serving
For the best results, refrigerate your coleslaw for at least one hour, or even better, overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly while still retaining its crunch—making your Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe taste even more amazing.
How to Serve Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bit of flair right on the plate, sprinkle some additional fresh parsley over the top just before serving. This simple garnish adds freshness and vibrant color that immediately catches the eye. You could also add a few thin slices of red bell pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika for a playful twist.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is a classic companion for nearly everything Southern and BBQ-related. It pairs beautifully with smoky ribs, grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or crispy fried catfish. Its crisp texture and tangy creaminess cut through rich, fatty dishes making each bite more balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers for festive bites at your next get-together. Another fun idea is layering the slaw on top of open-faced sandwiches or burgers for an extra crunch and burst of flavor. It also makes a delightful filling for tacos or wraps when you want something light but packed with texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and crunchiness. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the texture.
Freezing
This particular Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe is not recommended for freezing since the cabbage and dressing’s texture can change and become watery or mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
Because coleslaw is meant to be served chilled, reheating is not necessary. However, if you find it too cold or stiff after refrigeration, allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving will soften it nicely without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded veggies are a great time-saver. Just make sure they’re fresh and well-drained to avoid watery coleslaw. Homemade freshly shredded often has a bit more crunch, but pre-shredded works perfectly well.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
If you want a lighter or vegan option, try using vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Both maintain the creamy texture while lending a slightly different tang, which many people enjoy in this Southern coleslaw variation.
Is it necessary to chill the coleslaw before serving?
Chilling is highly recommended because it allows the flavors to marry and the cabbage to soften a bit while staying crisp. That wait time elevates the overall taste and texture, turning a good coleslaw into an irresistible one.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the slaw?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in finely diced apples, celery seeds, or even a handful of chopped nuts like pecans for added crunch and flavor complexity. Just keep the dressing ratio balanced to avoid sogginess.
How much time does this Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe take to prepare?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes for prep and mixing, plus some chilling time which you can adjust based on your schedule. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the South. It’s simple, satisfying, and so versatile, making it a fantastic addition to your meal lineup any time of year. Once you taste that creamy, crunchy harmony, I promise it will be a recipe you keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Homemade Southern Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes including chilling
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade Southern coleslaw recipe offers a classic, creamy, and tangy side dish made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing accompaniment to any meal, this easy-to-make recipe combines crisp vegetables with a smooth, slightly sweet dressing that can be customized to fit Paleo or vegan diets.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 head of cabbage (red or green, about 8 cups)
- 2 large carrots (peeled)
- ¼ cup sweet onion (finely diced)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (Paleo or vegan if needed)
- 1 ½ Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. sugar (optional)
- ¾ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Cut and shred the cabbage into ⅛-inch thick slices approximately 2 inches long to ensure the classic coleslaw texture.
- Shred the carrots: Use a large food processor with a grating attachment or a cheese grater to shred the peeled carrots finely for even mixing.
- Make the dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine vegetables: Place the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, finely diced sweet onion, and chopped fresh parsley into a large mixing bowl.
- Add dressing and mix: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat every piece thoroughly and evenly.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least one hour or up to overnight to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled with additional fresh parsley as garnish for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
Notes
- For a Paleo or vegan version, use a compliant mayonnaise alternative.
- The sugar is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Coleslaw tastes best when allowed to chill for several hours to enhance the flavor melding.
- Use either red or green cabbage depending on the desired color or flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright and fresh flavor but can be omitted or substituted with other fresh herbs like cilantro or dill.
